Commission discusses plans for Lakeshore Drive

CLEARLAKE -- Plans, visions, ideas and restrictions for an overhaul of Lakeshore Drive were discussed during a Clearlake Planning Commission workshop Tuesday evening at the Clearlake City Hall.

"Get out of your head what's there, think as if this a blank sheet." Commissioner Al Bernal said.

The commission met with the purpose to revise and develop design guidelines for the Lakeshore Drive Corridor, according the agenda.

In the commission's sights is a long-term plan that could make Lakeshore Drive a hub for a tourist spot, Commissioner Carl Webb said.

City Manager Joan Phillipe, Chairperson Alvaro Valencia and commissioners Bernal, Webb and Cheryl Hutchinson discussed different business industries that could be placed in the area, such as lodging establishments, restaurants, retail vendors and other businesses that would contribute to a tourist atmosphere.

The group also began shaping ideas as to how the area would look by discussing different zoning ideas and what businesses would be appropriate to place lakeside or across Lakeshore Drive.

Within the early plans of development, the idea of making Olympic Drive a business area to make space was discussed, but the commissioners made it clear they had no intention at that time to discuss removal of businesses already established on Lakeshore Drive.

During the workshop, which six community members attended, a discussion took place between the commission and attendees to address several exclusions and limitations zoning codes would bring.

Bars and fast food restaurants in the area were initially not considered or allowed only with restrictions in the area, but the commission became more receptive to ideas once community members said that broad food options might please tourists. It was also mentioned that allowing a limited number of bars in the area would help give it a festive atmosphere.

Phillipe said that the way the plan is currently written, there was room for restaurants that have a bar to be placed in the area, but that the language needed to be cleaned up in order to make it clear what will and won't be allowed.

Though the needs of motorists were acknowledged, the commission considered that adding another automotive establishment to the area was not necessary.

"If we're out drinking and dancing, were not going to go looking at tires and batteries," Bernal said.

As written, the plan would possibly permit for accessories, tires and battery service shops, but not for full auto shops.

Duplicate establishments, parking space and sidewalk vendors were also issues the commission said needed further discussion. Sidewalk space expansion from five to 10 feet will likely be discussed further in order to allow permitted street venders to establish businesses, as well as established businesses to display items in front of their buildings.

As community members brought up concerns, commission members made note

of issues that need to be further discussed. The commission will later present a revised plan to the city council.

Isaac Brambila is an associate editor for Lake County Publishing. Reach him at 263-5636 ext. 37 or at ibrambila@record-bee.com.